The Harris - Image 1

The Harris

Preston, United Kingdom•4.5(1.7k)•Art Gallery, Library, Museum

Explore Preston's cultural hub combining art collections, exhibitions, libraries, and family-friendly programming all under one roof.

The Harris is Preston's premier cultural destination, blending museum collections, art galleries, and library services in a vibrant indoor space suitable for all ages. Visitors can explore diverse exhibitions ranging from fashion history to contemporary art, discover extensive book collections across two libraries, and enjoy curated events and programming throughout the year. The venue features The Harris Café for refreshments, making it easy for families to spend extended time discovering the collections. The Harris Kids programme offers dedicated family activities and experiences designed to engage younger visitors with the collections and exhibitions. From temporary displays to major exhibitions, the venue provides year-round cultural engagement. The space is particularly welcoming to families with pushchairs and young children (ages 0+), and the venue is dog friendly. With free entry to many exhibitions and a commitment to accessibility, The Harris serves as an inclusive cultural resource for the local community and visitors.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 09:00 – 17:00
Tuesday: 09:00 – 17:00
Wednesday: 09:00 – 17:00
Thursday: 09:00 – 21:00
Friday: 09:00 – 17:00
Saturday: 09:00 – 17:00
Sunday: 11:00 – 16:00

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor

Typical visit duration

All day

Booking

Walk-in

Recommended ages

0 months (newborn)+

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

The Harris Café

On-site café offering food and beverages to visitors

Hours: Monday – Friday: 10am – 4pm, Saturday: 9.30am – 4pm, Sunday: 11am – 3.30pm

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Google Reviews

4.5(1.7k reviews)
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Susan Coulthard

Susan Coulthard

2 months ago

Beautiful Building in the centre of Preston, lots of interesting artifacts on show. They were in between some exhibitions when we visited but there was still plenty to see. Great cafe at the entrance for refreshments. Free to enter but a kindly request for donations. Staff, especially young man on reception very friendly and helpful.

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Jody W.

Jody W.

2 months ago

I am quite surprised with the quality of the exhibitions. The exhibitions are interesting and covered many aspects of Preston. The building is beautiful too. Staff are around for explaining the exhibits without bothering you. It’s probably the best part of Preston.

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JEM M

JEM M

3 months ago

This was my first visit to The Harris and what a fabulously fascinating museum it is! The building itself is magnificent, incredibly grand yet airy, welcoming and awash with natural light. The atrium with the copy of Léon Foucault's pendulum is mesmerising. The exhibitions including the fascinating story of Horrockses, Crewdson & Co. in particular the recorded stories of people who worked there. There's something for everyone at the museum, hands on activities for children and adults alike. There is plenty of seating all all floors which can be accessed by an elevator or the grand staircase. The staff are very welcoming and the café is a very pleasant place to end (or anytime throughout) your visit.

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Maddie McWilliam

Maddie McWilliam

4 months ago

The museum offers a great selection of artwork, with plenty of interesting pieces to explore and enjoy. It’s definitely worth a visit if you appreciate art! However I was under the impression the museum had undergone refurbishment but it wasn’t as extensive as expected, it was still an enjoyable experience! The new cafe is a nice place to visit for a coffee as well

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Juris Savostijanovs

Juris Savostijanovs

6 months ago

Recently I had the pleasure of visiting the newly renovated museum and art gallery. It was a delightful experience to explore the updated spaces. The exhibits offered a range of interesting pieces, from paintings to miniatures and relics. I particularly appreciated the clean and well-maintained environment throughout my visit. It was a pleasant surprise to find such a rich cultural experience available completely free of charge. The gallery provided a fantastic opportunity for learning as well, with the open library inside. The displays to be engaging and thoughtfully presented. Overall, I highly recommend a visit to this place.

Reviews last updated: 6 October 2026

Events at The Harris

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 6 October 2026

Frequently asked questions about The Harris

Is The Harris free to visit?

Entry to The Harris is completely free — there are no admission charges, making it a great no-cost option for a family day out.

What ages is The Harris suitable for?

The Harris is suitable for visitors of all ages, from babies through to adults.

Is The Harris dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome at The Harris.

Is there parking at The Harris?

The Harris doesn't have on-site parking, but parking is available nearby.

Is there food at The Harris?

Yes — The Harris Café is on site at The Harris. On-site café offering food and beverages to visitors

Is The Harris pushchair-friendly?

Yes, The Harris is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at The Harris?

The Harris is a full-day experience — plan accordingly.

How do I get to The Harris by public transport?

The Harris is well-served by public transport.

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